Finnish runner Alisa Vainio asks for the hype to stop: 'I can't stand it'

Finnish star runner Alisa Vainio secured a commanding victory in the 10,000-meter race at the Sweden-Finland international athletics match, clocking a new personal best of 32:30.71. Competing in spikes for the first time in two years, Vainio's performance on the Olympic Stadium track was described as majestic, surpassing her previous record by approximately five seconds.

Following her dominant win, Vainio completed a lap of honor, accompanied by a security manager, highlighting her elevated status. The European marathon champion has become one of Finland's most talked-about celebrities in the two weeks since her European Championship victory. This surge in fame has even led to a trend of people attempting to mimic her marathon pace, with videos circulating online.

Despite the public's fascination, Vainio admits she finds the intense attention overwhelming. "Everything related to me, I skip immediately. I can't stand it," she stated, expressing a desire for less public commotion. "There's been quite a lot of it. Even less would be enough."

Vainio had initially registered for the Valencia Marathon on December 6th. However, she indicated at the Olympic Stadium that she would prefer to compete in another race before Finland's Independence Day. "The hope is to run some road race this autumn. It's not precisely decided which one," she said, leaving her immediate racing plans open.

While major international marathons in Berlin (September 27) and Chicago (October 11) are on the calendar, Vainio's next appearance is yet to be confirmed. Regardless, she is expected to remain in the public eye.